Change mindset to establish society based on equality
Former adviser to the caretaker government Rasheda K Chowdhury speaks at a discussion on 'The rights of women with disability' at Biam Foundation in the city yesterday. Photo: STAR
Women's struggle for equality is no different from any other mainstream social movement for freedom, said women's rights activists yesterday.
They said this in a series of panel discussions organised as part of the celebration to mark the 100th International Women's Day.
State Minister for Ministry of Women and Children Affairs
Dr Shirin Sharmin Choudhury formally inaugurated the daylong celebration organised by the ministry at Biam Foundation in the city.
The discussants underscored the need for changing the mindset of people to establish a society based on equality.
Addressing a session titled "100 Years of Women's Movement", President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad Ayesha Khanam said women's direct involvement in the country's social and political movements over the years gave birth to the 'women's movement'.
Lawmaker Sanjida Khanam and Ranjan Karmakar, executive director of Steps Towards Development, also spoke at the session.
At another discussion on 'Organisational effort to prevent violence against women', the speakers called for a women-friendly legal system with a view to helping the women, who fell victim to violence, get justice.
The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs should monitor every organisation dealing with the women's issues, they said.
The speakers also stressed sensitising the law enforcers, legal service providers and other government and private agencies to women's rights.
Advocate Salma Ali, executive director of the Bangladesh National Women's Lawyers Association (BNWLA), said the lengthy legal system is an obstacle to vulnerable women's struggle for justice.
Lawmaker Advocate Tarana Halim stressed beginning organisational reform in the family and then at the educational institute.
Shaheen Anam, executive director of Manusher Jonno Foundation, said the country has enough laws, but the problem lies in lack of proper implementation.
She suggested self-monitoring for everyone where everyone is his or her own watchdog.
Salma Binte Halim MP, Advocate U Habibunnisa of Naripokkho and Dr Abul Hossain, project director of Multi-sectoral Programme on Violence Against Women, also spoke at the discussion.
Speakers at the discussion on 'Women's economic and social development at the grassroots level' said the local government should be strengthened and the elected representatives should work together to ensure women's empowerment at the grassroots level.
Lawmaker Shagufta Yasmin said only getting involved in the micro-credit programme is not enough for the poor women. They should also play a role in making decisions in the family.
At another discussion on 'The rights of women with disability' the speakers underscored the need for addressing the issues of women with disabilities in ensuring women's empowerment and advancement.
While presiding over the session, Rasheda K Chowdhury, former adviser to a caretaker government, said women in general face numerous difficulties in the society and it gets multiplied for women with disability who have to face deprivation in a more harsh way.
Ashrafunnahar Mishti, coordinator, Bangladesh Protibondhi Kalyan Samity, spoke on the problems people with disabilities face regarding employment and transport facilities and their social security.
At another panel discussion on 'Empowerment of Women: Bangladesh context', the speakers stressed increasing the rate of women pursuing higher studies.
Lawmaker Meher Afroz Chumki said more women should be there at the policymaking level of the government and non-government organisations.
She also stressed women's participation in the local administration, which is a key factor for establishing women's empowerment.
Nari Pragati Sangha Executive Director Rokeya Kabir and Rawshan Ara Begum, director general, Department of Women Affairs, also spoke at the discussion.
Addressing a discussion on 'Women and Mass Media', Prof Gitiara Nasreen of Dhaka University urged the government to implement the policies and working plans regarding women and mass media immediately.
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